Biggest player in the game flexes muscle

A showdown is imminent. India, which accounts for half of
cricket's worldwide revenue, is challenging the International
Cricket Council on several fronts, calling for the Champions Trophy
to be scrapped and the future tours program to be altered.

Some reports even have suggested that, should the relationship
between the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the ICC
continue to deteriorate, India could break away from the
establishment.

This would be a radical move that could polarise the game as
countries decide between loyalty to the council or the cash
incentives of forming an allegiance with India.

India is frustrated that many of its commitments to the ICC
 especially the regular scheduling of matches against weaker
teams  restrict it from maximising its income.

"I have heard rumours like everyone else," India coach Greg
Chappell said. "But it's not my job to get involved. I'm looking
after the team and am not in a position to comment on that."

Last month, the BCCI announced a sponsorship deal with Nike
worth almost $60 million  the most lucrative clothing deal in
sport, outstripping those of Juventus, Chelsea, Manchester United
and Real Madrid.

The Indian board also recently re-signed Air Sahara as its
official team sponsor for a reported $94 million over four years,
and is close to completing a new television rights deal.

Those figures have made Cricket Australia take note. According
to chief executive James Sutherland, a new playing schedule will
soon be released in which Australia will play India more frequently
 rumoured to be a two-year rotation, much like the Ashes.

Sutherland insists the "new" series against India could fit
within the parameters of the future tours program. "As it stands,
it is something like six years until we are due to play India and
obviously that isn't acceptable to us," Sutherland said.

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